Fixture

By Andy Jamieson

A huge defensive effort by Barry paved the way for them to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games  in a tense encounter at the Reservoir Field last Saturday against local rivals Penarth.

For much of the game Barry were on the back foot, looking strangely out of sorts and unable to achieve much meaningful possession and lacking in ideas to create any sort of platform to threaten the visitors.

Using the slope to their advantage  the visitors quickly took play into the home 22 and a poor clearance gave them an opportunity to attack the Barry line and breach the defence to get the opening score of the game with an unconverted try after 4 mins.

Stung by this reverse, Barry spread the ball but the move broke down well inside the visitors territory.

Barry were rewarded for their efforts as Penarth transgressed allowing Barross to convert the first of his five successful penalties of the afternoon.

Whilst the visitors kicking was aimed at gaining territory, Barry's tactic of going the aerial route was not proving as effective, relying on defensive errors to make any gain.

The game seesawed over the next 10 mins. but it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score, however their indiscipline

was proving costly as they again gave Barross the chance to put Barry ahead, a chance he would take

Penarth launched themselves into attack from the restart and Barry spent an uncomfortable  few minutes defending against the threat to the line, that they achieved this was a huge bonus,as Penarth finally opted to kick for goal from a penalty. Even that didn't go to plan as it hit the upright and Barry managed to clear.Barry hooker Such was injured during this phase to be replaced by Rhys O'Sullivan.. 

As half time neared and Barry still not at their best, it was again to be the boot of Barross which was to extend their lead as he converted his third penalty.This was quickly followed by another and it seemed that half time would see the home side ahead at 12 - 5.

Penarth had other ideas and after being awarded a strange penalty they drove the line out that followed and crossed the Barry line for a second time to leave the half time score 12 - 10 in Barry's favour , although they lost the services of Hadfield to injury to be replaced by Miles.

With the slope advantage and a stern half time talk from the coaches, the crowd had high hopes that they would see an improved performance as the second half got underway

Poor defensive kicking was allowing Penarth to counter attack and putting themselves under undue pressure which they were forced to defend. However a breakout from this saw the visitors again concede a penalty and again Barross was there to put Barry further ahead.

The restart was dropped by Barry and saw the start of a 10 min. siege of the Barry line by a rampant Penarth side.Scrum followed penalty followed scrum but the magnificent Barry defence was not to be breached and Penarth were to come away empty handed.

Somewhat understandably the efforts of both sets of players had taken it's toll and the game became scrappy as errors crept into the game.

Despite spending little time in the opposing half Barry were given two opportunities at goal as Penarth continued to concede penalties. Unfortunately both these difficult chances could not be taken.

The final minutes  were probably the best of the game with Barry determined to maintain their unbeaten run and the visitors knowing that a converted try could win them the game. Both teams put tremendous effort into achieving their aim and play moved from end to end as each attacked in turn but a clear cut chance for either side didn't materialise

The final whistle went to the relief of the home support and in some ways it was visitors who could of felt hard done by as they had outscored Barry by 2 tries to nil. As much as that is true, the game was decided by a huge defensive performance and yet again the immaculate boot of Kyle Barross

It is said that sometimes you need to win ugly but win and today was one of those performances in part I suspect to Black Friday

As the first half of the season ends, Barry have won 7 of their 10 games and lie 5th in the table with a game in hand over some of the teams above them

The next League game is on 7th January at home against Dinas Powys, currently riding high in the table., kick off 2.30pm

The traditional Boxing Day will take place at the Clubhouse preceded by match scheduled to kick off at 11.30am. So come along and renew old friendships and make new ones.

This weeks Lottery numbers were 03 - 10 - 13 and 22.  With no winners the jackpot goes to £3200 this week.

As Saturday is Xmas Eve this weeks draw will take place on Boxing Day during the afternoon.